Green Bay Packers: The champs are still the best

The Green Bay Packers went into CenturyLink Field on Thursday night hoping to knock off the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. This was also a rematch of the infamous “Fail Mary” game in 2012. Unfortunately, much like the 2012 matchup, the Packers ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard falling to the Seahawks 36-16.

The Packers started to game deep inside Seahawks territory, only managing to get two first downs before punting the ball. After the Seahawks only managed to get one first down, the Packers also forced a punt, but Mike Daniels was called for running into the kicker, extending the Seahawks drive. Costly penalties would be the theme of the night for the Packers defense. The Packers were able to hold the Seahawks to only a field goal following the penalty, but three points are still three points.

On the following Packers drive, they were once again forced to punt, but caught a break when the self-proclaimed best corner in the game Richard Sherman, blocked Davon House into Seahawks returner Earl Thomas. Thomas could not control the ball, and the fumble was recovered by rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The Packers were able to drive the ball, and ended the drive with a two yard touchdown run by John Kuhn. That would be the Packers only lead of the game.

The Seahawks got the ball the back and were able to move the ball down the field. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson found receiver Ricardo Lockette for a 33 yard touchdown, giving the Seahawks a 10-7 lead. The following drive, the Packers were able to drive back down the field, but fizzled inside the red zone and had to settle for a 23 yard Mason Crosby field goal, tying the game at 10. During that drive, right tackle Bryan Bulaga suffered a knee injury after colliding with teammate Richard Rodgers, and missed the remainder of the game. That injury became the game’s turning point.

Seattle once again was able to carve up the Packers defense, as Marshawn Lynch, a.k.a. beast mode, powered through the line for a nine yard touchdown. That game the Seahawks a seven point lead heading into the halftime locker room.

After forcing a Seahawks punt to open the second half, the Packers offense game the ball right back when Aaron Rodgers was intercepted by Byron Maxwell. But, the Packers defense was able to hold their ground and forced a Seahawks field goal. When the Packers got the ball back, Bulaga’s absence was felt, as his replacement Derek Sherrod was badly beaten on several plays, including a fourth down sack that turned the ball over.

On the Packers next possession, Sherrod showed that he a boy playing with men, as Michael Bennett was easily able to sack Rodgers. Rodgers fumbled the football, which Sherrod recovered in the end zone for a game changing safety. The Seahawks capitalized on the safety, as they were able to shred the Packers defense again, as Lynch went the end zone for his second score of the night. The floodgates were starting to open, as the Seahawks now had a 19 point lead.

About Andrew McConnell

Currently a junior at the University of Northern Iowa majoring in communications and minoring in journalism. I am a huge Green Bay Packers and NASCAR fan, with my favorite driver being Jeff Gordon. I also enjoy watching the Minnesota Twins and anything Iowa sports.
Follow me on Twitter: @RealAndyMac3

Featured Writer

Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, I follow the NHL and other hockey leagues. I follow the Philadelphia Flyers as well as the St. Louis Blues. I go to American University in Washington DC. I major in International Studies and Russian Language, and I also play Division 3 Club ice hockey. Writing about current NHL topics since 2015.
You can find Jared on Twitter @Wainer78